Ian Woosnam holed a 10-meter birdie putt to emerge from a three-way playoff to win his first US Champions Tour title at the Insperity Invitational.
The 1991 Masters winner and former European Tour number one defeated Americans Kenny Perry and Tom Lehman on the first extra hole on the Woodlands course. It was Woosnam’s 36th appearance on the 50-plus circuit.
“It’s a great feeling,” said the Welshman, who is expecting a hero’s welcome on his return to his homeland for the ESS Enterprise Wales Senior Open later this month. “I knew my game was suffering, so I was a bit disappointed at the start of the week because I was affected by a back injury, but I managed to bounce back and get the best out of myself,” he said.
“I feel a little older because of the aches and pains, but it was worth it and I felt a lot better today. I played some great golf and was lucky to sink that long putt.”
“I’ve been wanting to play,” Woosnam said. “Even though I could do it, I wanted to be with my family, but now the kids are older and I can spend more time around here,” he said.
Woosnam finished with 68 strokes, 4 under par, for a total of 11 under par. Perry finished with a 66, and Lehman recorded a 69.
In the playoff, Lehman sent his ball into the water, and Perry missed his putt for bridge from 10 feet shortly before Woosnam holed his birdie.
“I told them I had to catch a flight,” Woosnam stated. “And I said, please, somebody, anybody, bridge on the first hole. And it was me, so great.”
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